Taylor was elected earlier this year to replace Brian McCall, who left the Legislature to become chancellor of the Texas State University System.

Taylor cited Paxton's conservatism, but there's a local angle here, too: Taylor is the third Collin County representative — behind Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, and the candidate himself — on Paxton's team. (Paxton is from McKinney.)

The score now? Straus, more than 120, Paxton 10 and Warren Chisum of Pampa not showing any cards. The vote is on Jan. 11, and it takes 76 votes to prevail in the 150-member House.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.